THE QUEST to become the next Barbadian Triple Crown winner moves into high gear for Aston Martin at the Garrison Savannah today.
The colt lines up against 11 opponents in the second jewel – the Barbados Midsummer Creole Classic (Grade 1R.-Bar).
Owned by Mark Armstrong and trained by Victor Cheeseman, the son of Carpe Diem out of Rosie Red Bear has been going from strength to strength with every start.
His hat-trick and the manner in which he has won at the distance of 1 570 metres, leaves little doubt that he will have no problem making the 1 800 metres trip.
Aston Martin goes into this race for West Indian-bred three-year olds with the impressive record of four wins, two seconds and one third-place finish from seven career starts.
He has defeated all of his opponents and will be the one they will all have to beat as he seems to be “in a class of his own”.
Since this field last encountered Aston Martin only three horses – Roars, Divine Destiny and Run For Your Money – have been victorious.
Roars’ maiden victory in the Breast Cancer Survivors Trophy Handicap over 1 800 metres was extremely pleasing and he appears to be the only real threat to Aston Martin.
Not only did that win come with ease but it also made him the only horse entered to have won at today’s distance.
He has only been unplaced once, and is bred to get the trip done, thus emulating his brother [Don Anglesonny] and sister [Leave It To Me], who have won this race in 2005 and 2010 respectively, with the latter going on to win the United Barbados Derby.
In her seventh attempt over 1 570 metres, Divine Destiny was finally able to turn in her maiden tag. Apart from her first meeting with the favourite in this race, she has found it difficult to finish within five lengths of Aston Martin.
Her form at this stage does not inspire confidence and she will probably be found wanting for class at the final outcome.
Run For Your Money got a nice win in the Real Men Wear Pink Trophy Handicap over 1 570 metres. In his only meeting with Aston Martin he cut the early factions but then disappeared off the radar.
History has shown that his barn has not done well in the Classics within the last decade. It really does not help either that the stable has not won a feature race since December 2011.
Iamsogroovy has a nice record and closed fast in her last run and much the same is expected.
Galaxy rarely runs a bad race and will appreciate the extra ground.
Capere was a commendable second in her last effort with the girls but will need to reproduce that form to factor.
Rickoshey has had a good showing in his recent efforts and has a very remote shot at a place position.
Summer Time’s road of consistency continued against the fillies and she is expected to continue on that path.
Mrs. B is a faithful trier but more is required. Open Secret’s only win was impressive but has since found her introduction to the big leagues heart crushing.
Forest Fire is a surprise entrant and it would be a racing miracle if he challenges the top four.
My Picks
Race 1: Vanity Affair
Race 2: Dreambird (nap)
Race 3: Byhookorbycreek
Race 4: Fernandina
Race 5: Verden
Race 6: Aston Martin
Race 7: Erados
Race 8: Cinnamon Jane
